Private Healthcare and NHS Care – How We Handle Requests

Can we arrange tests requested by your private specialist?

 

Usually, no. If your private provider asks us to arrange tests or investigations, this falls outside what the NHS can provide—unless those tests are needed for your NHS care and your GP is responsible for managing your treatment.

Your GP will only arrange tests if:

• They are clinically appropriate for your NHS care.
• Your GP will interpret the results and manage your treatment.

 

If you’re being seen privately

 

• Any tests or investigations linked to your private care should be organised by your private provider—even if those tests are available on the NHS.
• If you decide to move your care back to the NHS, we’ll then look at what investigations are appropriate for your NHS treatment.

 

Accessing your records

 

You can always access your NHS medical records. If we’ve arranged any tests, you can request the results and share them with your private provider.

 

Keeping NHS and private care separate

 

To make sure NHS resources aren’t used to subsidise private care:

• It must be clear whether something is NHS-funded or privately funded.
• Private and NHS care should be kept separate.
• Patients pay the full cost of any private services.
• NHS resources can’t be used to support private care.

 

Prescriptions after seeing a private specialist

 

If you have been advised to start or continue a medication or treatment by a private specialist, please note:

• We do not automatically prescribe medications recommended by private specialists.
• Our GPs follow local and national guidelines to make sure all treatments are safe, effective, and appropriate for your ongoing care.
• Every prescription request will be carefully reviewed by your GP, who will use their clinical judgment to decide what is best for you.
• If a treatment started privately is not suitable, not supported by guidance, or requires monitoring we cannot provide, we may not continue it.
• We will always explain our decision and, where possible, discuss safe alternatives or refer you back to your specialist for ongoing prescriptions.

 

Why do we have this policy?

 

• To keep your care safe and consistent with NHS standards.
• To ensure medications are appropriate for your health needs and can be monitored safely.
• To avoid prescribing treatments that may not be supported by evidence or could cause harm.

 

If you have any questions, please speak to your GP or our pharmacy team. We’re here to help and will always work with you to find the best solution for your care.